On January 1, 2025, the Dallas Cowboys made a series of roster changes to kick off the new year, including the release of running back Ezekiel Elliott.
After Elliott requested his release to pursue an opportunity with a playoff-bound team ahead of Week 18, the Cowboys quickly shifted their focus to strengthening their defense, adding defensive end Earnest Brown IV to their roster.
A Super Bowl champion seeking a fresh start
Earnest Brown IV, who was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fifth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, enters the Cowboys‘ fold as a Super Bowl champion. While he didn’t see any playing time during his rookie year with the Rams, Brown was part of the team’s victorious run in Super Bowl LVI. However, his journey has been a bit tumultuous since then.
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Most recently, Brown spent time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, logging a total of 21 defensive snaps over a three-week period before being waived. Now, he will attempt to find his footing with the Cowboys, although his immediate future with the team remains uncertain.
With the Cowboys already mathematically eliminated from playoff contention and only one game remaining in the regular season, it’s unclear if Brown will see significant playing time in Week 18 against the Washington Commanders. If he does take the field, it is expected to be in a limited role, given the timing of his arrival and the Cowboys‘ already established defensive lineup.
Brown will compete for playing time against a defensive front that includes stars like Micah Parsons, as well as Marshawn Kneeland, Chauncey Golston and Carl Lawson. The competition for a spot in the defensive end rotation will be fierce, and Brown will need to make a strong impression during the week’s practices to carve out a role.
In addition to signing Brown, the Cowboys also made moves to bolster their practice squad, signing offensive guard Jack Anderson and cornerback Luq Barcoo.